Matsandawana is their nickname, also known as ‘the Brazilians’ for the way they conduct themselves on the pitch; possession and domination is what they like to do. Mamelodi Sundowns find themselves far ahead of the rest of the pack including their rivals, but why is that? By Shakes Rampedi.

One advantage Sundowns have over a lot of teams in the Premiership is that they have a philosophy, a style that was generated a long time ago, of moving the ball all over the pitch. Building from the back and slowly finding ways to tire their opponents and striking when an opening is available.

That philosophy is important because it doesn’t change, regardless of players coming and going in the squad, whereas other teams make several changes to their coaching staff that comes with shifts in philosophies. Everyone knows that it takes time to embed the way you would like a team to play, so while they are playing catch-up, Downs continue to stretch the gap.

This season alone there have been several changes at other clubs; TS Galaxy, Swallows, Baroka, Chippa United, Marumo Gallants and Orlando Pirates have all changed head coaches. That’s close to half the teams in the League. The experience of Manqoba Mngqithi, Steve Komphela and Rhulani Mokwena has had a huge impact on Sundowns. Firstly, they know the league as they have been around for many years and this is their third season working together.

We also have to talk about the resources the club has allowed them to get the best in class. It is no secret the club is owned by a billionaire and one that continues to give back to football.

Let’s look at the transfer business they have done this season to get an idea of how impactful it can be. Pavol Safranko is a target man with European football experience and hit double figures in goal involvement in the previous season.

Thabiso Kutumela is the player who arguably kept Maritzburg United safe from relegation last season. Then there is Grant Kekana, a player who might have raised a few eyebrows as to why the league champions are signing him, but who has proved to be a valuable purchase.

Someone like Divine Lunga, who excelled at Golden Arrows, has struggled to find a regular place in the first team because of the form of Lyle Lakay, but he provides valuable competition. Sifiso Ngobeni was one of the important players for Bloemfontein Celtic and got a Bafana Bafana call up to the Cosafa Cup. He is on loan at SuperSport United because there isn’t any space for him either.

Neo Maema also came in as one of Celtic’s former stars and he has gelled with the philosophy and the system like a duck to water, scoring some amazing goals.

Teboho Mokoena is one of the best players in the country and one of the best players for the national team. He had an incredible 2021, featuring regularly for Bafana Bafana during the World Cup Qualifiers and at the Olympics. Matsatsantsa did everything they could to keep him but Downs flexed their financial muscles.

Erwin Saavedra is a Bolivian International with over 30 caps for his country and has proved to be important for them. He has already shown glimpses of brilliance and will raise the level of South African football. He brings a wealth of experience, having already played against some of the best players in the world, including Paul Pogba and seven-time Ballon D’or winner Lionel Messi.

With all that being said, their resources assist the club to remain on top and continue to dominate. There is probably no other club in South Africa that can compete with them over a 30-game league campaign, which has proved to be the case for the last four seasons and counting.